The Fujifilm X100F remains a cult favorite among photographers—even years after its release. With its classic styling, sharp fixed lens, and Fuji’s legendary color science, this camera continues to make waves in 2025.
Whether you’re a street photographer, traveler, or someone who simply appreciates quality over quantity, the X100F deserves your attention. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything you need to know—design, performance, pros and cons—and help you decide whether it’s still worth your investment today.
A Closer Look at the Fujifilm X100F Design and Build
One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with the X100F is its design. Inspired by vintage rangefinder cameras, the X100F has a retro look that’s not just aesthetic—it’s functional too.
The body feels solid and premium, made with durable materials that can handle daily use. The manual dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO give you full control without diving into menus, making it especially enjoyable for traditionalists.
Notable Design Highlights:
- Classic rangefinder-style body
- Hybrid viewfinder: Switch between optical and electronic views with a flick of a lever
- Fixed 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm on full frame)
- Compact, lightweight, and discreet—perfect for street photography
The tactile feel of the controls combined with its minimalist form factor makes the X100F an enjoyable tool for capturing real moments.
Image Quality That Holds Up
Despite being a few years old, the Fujifilm X100F still produces fantastic image quality, thanks to its 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor.
What makes the image quality stand out:
- Excellent sharpness and detail from the fixed lens
- Fujifilm’s film simulation modes, like Classic Chrome and Acros, give your photos a beautiful, distinct look straight out of the camera
- Solid performance in low light, especially with the fast f/2 aperture
- Great dynamic range, preserving highlight and shadow details even in tricky lighting
If you’re into color accuracy and artistic expression without spending hours editing RAW files, the X100F delivers fantastic JPEGs right from the camera.
Performance and Autofocus: What to Expect
The X100F is equipped with an updated autofocus system compared to its predecessors. While it’s not the fastest autofocus on the market by 2025 standards, it holds up well in most scenarios.
Performance breakdown:
- Improved AF over the X100T, with better face and eye detection
- Responsive and snappy in daylight or well-lit environments
- Struggles slightly in low light or fast-moving situations
- Manual focus is still very usable, especially with focus peaking
For street and travel photography—its main strengths—the autofocus is more than capable. But if you’re shooting fast action regularly, you might prefer a newer model like the X100V or X100VI.
Ease of Use: Customization and Everyday Handling
The X100F is a camera that feels like it was made for photographers—not just casual users. That said, it’s surprisingly easy to get the hang of, even if you’re coming from smartphones or beginner DSLRs.
What makes it user-friendly:
- Customizable buttons and a Q menu for quick access to your favorite settings
- Well-placed manual controls give you a tactile shooting experience
- Hybrid viewfinder offers versatility for different lighting and composition needs
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you transfer and share images instantly to your smartphone
It’s a rare camera that appeals equally to photography purists and everyday users, giving you creative freedom without over-complicating the experience.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life on the X100F is decent, though not exceptional by today’s standards.
- Expect around 270–350 shots per charge, depending on usage
- Carrying a spare battery is highly recommended, especially for travel or events
The camera uses SD cards and supports fast UHS-I speeds, which are sufficient for its photo and video output.
How Does the X100F Compare to Other Compact Cameras?
In the premium compact camera market, the Fujifilm X100F continues to offer unique value—even when compared to newer models.
vs. Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 series is incredibly advanced with a zoom lens and fast autofocus but lacks the distinct character and build of the X100F. Also, the RX100’s sensor is smaller (1-inch vs APS-C).
vs. Leica Q
The Leica Q and Q2 offer full-frame sensors and stunning optics—but at a significantly higher price. The X100F delivers a similar shooting style and experience at a fraction of the cost.
vs. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
Canon’s compact is bulkier and less refined in design. While it also has an APS-C sensor, many find Fujifilm’s film simulations and lens quality superior.
Pros and Cons of the Fujifilm X100F
What We Love:
- Beautiful design with tactile controls
- Excellent image quality from the fixed lens and APS-C sensor
- Film simulations produce stunning JPEGs
- Compact and discreet—ideal for street photography
- Hybrid viewfinder for versatile shooting
What Could Be Better:
- Fixed lens means no zoom or lens swapping
- Autofocus can be slow in low light
- Battery life is average; bring extras for long days
- No weather sealing
Is the Fujifilm X100F Still Worth Buying in 2025?
If you’re considering buying the Fujifilm X100F in 2025, the short answer is: Yes—if it fits your shooting style.
While newer models like the X100V and X100VI exist with upgraded features (such as IBIS, weather sealing, and higher-resolution sensors), the X100F still holds its ground with excellent image quality, timeless design, and an unbeatable shooting experience.
For photographers who:
- Prefer a minimalist, fixed-lens camera
- Love the feel of manual dials and a rangefinder layout
- Want rich, character-filled photos straight out of camera
…the X100F remains a compelling choice.
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm X100F continues to be one of the most beloved compact cameras for good reason. It’s not about having every spec under the sun—it’s about joyful, intentional photography. With stunning image quality, a portable build, and unmatched style, it offers something special that modern alternatives often overlook.
Whether you’re an experienced shooter looking for a high-quality secondary camera or a hobbyist ready to invest in a timeless classic, the X100F deserves a spot in your camera bag.
